Abstract

Background:
Coccidiosis caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria remains a leading parasitic constraint in small ruminants production systems worldwide.

Aim:
Determining the prevalence, risk factors, and species of Eimeria spp. that infect goats and sheep.

Methods:
Fresh fecal samples were collected from 112 goats and sheep across Sragen, Sleman, and Ngawi regencies. The samples were examined using qualitative (direct smear and flotation) and quantitative (McMaster) methods. For molecular analysis, genomic DNA was extracted from samples with >200 oocysts per gram (OPG). The 18S rRNA gene was targeted via PCR, followed by sequencing of representative amplicons to identify the species. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Results:
The study found a high prevalence of 90.18% (101/112). Molecular characterization identified the presence of Eimeria crandallis and Eimeria christenseni. The results confirmed that sex, age, and type of forage were not associated risk factors for Eimeria spp. infection (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:
The prevalence of Eimeria infection in sheep and goats was high although no clinical symptoms were observed. E. crandallis and E. christenseni were identified. Multivariate analysis showed that sex, age, and type of forage insignificantly affected the occurrence of Eimeria infection. Prevention strategies are needed to minimize economic losses in small ruminants production.

Key words: Eimeria spp.; Fecal samples; Goats; Java; Sheep.